title: A transtheoretical, case management approach to the treatment of pediatric obesity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The percentage of obese children in the United States has increased dramatically over the past three decades, particularly among ethnic/ racial minorities. This study sought to examine the impact of a clinical case-management intervention based upon the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to reduce obesity and increase physical activity in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen obese African-American children ages 8-12 were recruited from two pediatric clinics and were randomized to either a 12-week intervention group or a control group. Dependent variables included body mass index (BMI) percentile, physical activity, and stage of change for the child and parent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In comparison to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant decreases in BMI and improvements in daily vigorous physical activity. The children in the intervention group demonstrated movement toward action/maintenance stages of change.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A 12-week TTM-based case management intervention can have a favorable impact on obesity and physical activity in African-American child.
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Valerie McLaughlin
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Crabtree
authors.forename: Justin B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Dean E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Jacks
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cerrito
authors.forename: Robert V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Topp
keywords: African American; case management; children; obesity; transtheoretical model